“Where do you live?” He asked.
“We’re currently living here until we get a new house readied. The Captain’s boys burned down our friend’s house and were about to do the same to our house before we caught them. They doused everything with gas, so it’s uninhabitable now. We should have the new house ready within a day or so.” I waved my hand around. “I had done some prep work on this house earlier, but I’d like to get it hardened against intruders.”
“He has a list.” Julie said. The group laughed at the inside joke while the soldiers looked at us questioningly. Howard explained my propensity for creating lists. First Sergeant Santiago burst out in laughter.
“It sounds like someone else I know, although I won’t mention any names.” He said while jerking his head at Captain Steen.
“It’s a good way to organize your thoughts.” Jack said defensively. I understood, but it didn’t stop everyone from laughing some more.
“Why aren’t you drinking, Julie?” Corporal Alexander asked.
“Julie is expecting her first child.” Lashonda said.
“How wonderful, congratulations.” Jack said with a smile. “Julie, we have a health care facility with a physician’s assistant and two nurses on staff. We can provide you with prenatal care.”
“What is a physician’s assistant?” Julie asked. “Is it a doctor?”
“Um, no. It is the title of a person who has had some medical training, but has not yet completed medical school.” First Sergeant Santiago said. “The rank is a warrant officer. Mister Jones is well qualified.”
“But they have been trained to rely on pharmaceuticals, which are no longer viable. Do they have any knowledge of homeopathic care?” Julie asked. I looked at her in surprise. Captain Steen tried to phrase an answer, but ceded a shrug of the shoulders instead. I changed the subject.
“Your fuel is over a year old.” I asked. “How are you still able to fly a plane?”
“We have a fuel technician who monitors our reserves. He tests the fuel frequently. Nevertheless, the amount we have left at our disposal can be measured in a finite amount.” Jack said. “We’ve decided to use it before it goes bad and search out survivors.”
I continued with questions. “Why did you use the Smyrna airport, why not the Nashville airport?”
Captain Steen shook his head. “BNA is completely blocked with crashed and abandoned planes. Our pilots did a fly by and said it was too unsafe. There are even cars parked on the runways.”
We continued to enjoy the Scotch and talked at length, sharing our individual stories of survival. Captain Steen seemed to have found them particularly fascinating. He took a small notepad out of his shirt pocket and took fastidious notes while everyone talked. I watched and listened. Although I had heard them before, I did not tire of hearing my friends relate how they had survived. When it came my turn, I told them of Rick.
“He was Army?” First Sergeant Santiago asked.
“Yes he was. He was an Airborne Ranger and served time in Vietnam.” I said, and was lost in memories for a moment. “He was a hell of a man.” I said quietly. “Everything I’ve become, everything I’ve achieved, I owe to him.” Rowdy raised his glass and we all saluted the memory of Rick. First Sergeant Santiago broke the awkward silence that ensued.
“When it became apparent what this plague was doing, the post commander ordered the base locked down and everyone put on alert. Even so, the base was infested with people who were already sick.” He said, and paused a moment.
“I lost a wife and four children.” He wiped his face and quickly continued. “Everyone has lost loved ones. The Captain had a fiancé. Corporal Alexander’s entire unit became infected. We managed to band together and eradicate the infected people, which was no small feat. We were at battle stations for days on end, killing those things.” He wiped his brow. “A lot of them were wearing uniforms, so we knew we were killing things who used to be fellow soldiers. We lost a lot of troops.” He shook his head ruefully. “It was tough.” He looked at his glass of Scotch, raised it silently, and we joined him in a drink.
All of us talked at length, each telling their life story, until the sun started to set. The First Sergeant glanced at his wristwatch and nodded at Captain Steen. They stood.
“Ms. Allen, thank you for the wonderful meal. It was delicious.” Captain Steen said. First Sergeant Santiago and Corporal Alexander quickly voiced their agreement. They said their goodbyes. Howard, Rowdy, and I walked them to their vehicle.
“Zach, Howard, I’m impressed. Each story I heard, whether it was Julie, Rowdy, Andie, and even you Howard, each story centers around Zach. Your friends think very highly of you.”
“If it weren’t for Zach, we’d have probably all starved or been killed, or been eaten by those damned things.” Howard said.
I shrugged. The meal was not settling well in my stomach and my head was buzzing from the Scotch. I was through talking and wanted to go to bed.
“It’s been a pleasure, gentlemen.” I said as we shook hands. “Jack, if you ever consider establishing an outpost in this area, let me know. I believe we can help you out.” I looked up at the sky. There was a dark line of clouds in the western sky. “Looks like bad weather moving in.” I thought a moment, inhaled, and motioned to Captain Steen. When we were sufficiently far enough away from the group, I whispered in his ear.
He looked at me in surprise, and then nodded. “I’ll see what I can do.”
First Sergeant Santiago handed Howard a sheet of legal paper. “We’re lifting off at 1700 hours tomorrow. If any of you want to join us, here is a list of the items you can bring. If you drive in tonight, flash your lights several times so we’ll know you’re friendly. If we don’t see you tomorrow, we’ll be back in two weeks. Will guys meet us at the airport?” Howard and I looked at each other and agreed. We all shook hands again, Corporal Alexander gave Rowdy a hug, and they left.
The last thing I remember was lying down on the sleeping bag in the den. Everyone else was sitting around talking about our visitors. Having friendly visitors was a rarity these days, so naturally it was a big event for us. Everyone was asking questions of each other and voicing their opinions. Somewhere in all of that, I fell asleep.
When I awoke, my watch said a few minutes before four. I stretched the kinks out. Curly, who had nestled himself in between Julie and me, woke up as well and mimicked my actions. We thought he had been killed, but he most likely ran away in fright. He was lying on the porch, waiting patiently for us yesterday morning. I dressed quietly, holstered my Kimber, kissed Julie on the forehead, and slipped outside without a peep from anyone. Curly followed me out, did his business, and then looked at me as if to say, why are we up so early bud? I gave him a friendly scratch on the head and then started walking. When he realized I was walking to our old home, he whimpered slightly, but in spite of his fear, he followed me faithfully.
I fed the chickens and rabbits with the aid of a flashlight, and then began loading the trailer. I was tired of sleeping on the floor of someone else’s home, and was determined to be in our new home by this evening. I emerged from the darkness of the cellar carrying a Rubbermaid tote bin of mason jars, when Curly started growling. I set the plastic tote bin down quietly. I had leaned the M4 beside the door, and it was too far away. I drew my Kimber as a figure appeared in the doorway.
“Whoa, hey now, no need for that.” It was Rowdy. I holstered my weapon.
“You’re usually sleeping off a drunk at this time of the morning.” I said gruffly, as I picked up the bin.
“Yeah, very true.” He said. “When you drifted off to sleep, I knew you’d be up early and would be working on something or another. Besides, Julie threatened me with grave bodily harm if I didn’t look out for you while you’re still injured.” I started to interrupt, but Rowdy held his hand up. “Save it, we all know you’re hurting, even if you don’t complain.”
“Has Andie complained of any internal injuries?” I asked.
&nbs
p; Rowdy shook his head. “She said he gave her a few slaps, but that was it. Her nose is still tender as hell though.” He looked at the tote bin. “So, what are we doing here?”
“We’re moving. We got a lot of stuff here that I want to move into our new home. I want to get moved by the end of the day. I hope you’re here to help.” I picked up the tote bin and handed it to him. He took it with a grunt.
With Rowdy’s help, we got the cellar emptied out and loaded into the trailer. Even though the morning was in the lower forties, Rowdy was sweating and breathing heavily. He sat on the edge of the trailer and caught his breath. I wasn’t feeling so good myself, but I was better than yesterday.
“I need to get back in shape. I really let myself go this past year.” He said. I sat next to him. “Were you always in good shape?” He asked. I shrugged.
“When I was in school I ran cross-country track. I could run all day, but I was skinny as a rail.” I thought a minute. “When everything happened, I was out here with my friend Rick. There was a lot of down time, so I worked out quite a bit.” I seemed to keep referencing Rick, but I didn’t want to talk about him. I talked about him with Julie, but that was different. I changed the subject.
“Speaking of Andie, how are you two getting along?” I asked. He looked at the ground a long minute before answering.
“We’re getting along fine. She’s a little shell shocked right now, but I think she’ll be okay.” As if on cue, he scratched his beard. “She’s a real sweetie, but every time I look at her, all I see is a skinny little girl. I’ve got to tell you Zach, I haven’t got any arousal going, if you know what I mean.”
I snorted. “She’ll gain weight. She’s only been with us a short time. The Captain had all of them on short rations. She’s eating a lot better now.”
“Well, I guess so. She’s young though, and I’m not so young.” He said, and stood up. “You think it’s going to rain?” I nodded as he looked up at the gray sky. “Yeah, you may be right. I’m going to regret saying this, but we better get back to work before everything gets drenched.” I laughed at him and stood up.
“The house is actually right across the field.” I said as I pointed toward the south. “We’ll have to cut a hole in a few fences and create a road. Otherwise, if we take the existing roads, it’s about a half-mile.”
We had all of our canned goods moved in the ample storage cupboard of the Riggins house by sunup. Julie and Andie drove up as we unloaded the last box.
“Y’all have been busy.” Julie said. I nodded.
“How are you two this morning?” I asked.
“I threw up my breakfast.” Julie said. “I guess that’s a good sign.”
“How about you Andie?” I asked. “The swelling seems to be going down.” Which was true, but both of her eyes were black, along with the ridge of her nose. Andie shrugged her shoulders.
“Okay, I guess.” She said and looked at Rowdy. He busied himself with emptying the box. I gave Julie a sloppy kiss, and gave Andie a peck on the cheek.
“I’ve been told my kisses go a long way.” I said as I ruffled her hair. She smiled before she could help herself. Julie rolled her eyes.
“We’ve got a lot of stuff to move still, but most of it can wait. I think while you guys get the house cleaned up, Rowdy and I are going to find a generator.” I hugged Julie again before I thought anything of it. She grinned. No eye rolling this time.
“Oh, I almost forgot. What do you guys think of Fort Campbell, do you want to go?”
“No!” They all said in unison.
“We talked about it last night after you went to sleep.” Julie said. “All of us want to stay. But I think Lashonda wants to relocate.”
“It’s not too late for them to leave and get there on time.” I said.
“I think they’re talking about going the next time they come back.” Andie said. I nodded thoughtfully. The fact is, it would probably be better for them, but for purely selfish reasons, I wanted them to stay with us. I shook it off and motioned to Rowdy.
“Let’s get moving Zach, you’re dilly-dallying. I don’t have time for dilly-dallyers.” He said with a mischievous grin.
We had no sooner exited the driveway when we saw them, three people in a beat up police car. When they saw us, they stopped and the driver, a man, got out. He was accompanied by two women. I glanced at Rowdy, who readied his M4.
“How much ammo do you have?” I asked.
“Eight magazines.” Rowdy said. During the last few months, we’d not resupplied our supply of ammunition, and were starting to run low.
“Alright.” I said. “I have four magazines for my forty-five. Let’s hope they’re friendly. As I drove closer, their features came into focus. I recognized one of the women.
Chapter 40 – George
I stopped when we were fifty feet away. Opening my door, I leaned out and pointed my handgun through the gap between the door and the truck frame. The man raised his hands. I stared at him for the first time. He was in his twenties, maybe six feet tall, about a week’s worth of dark whiskers on his face, and greasy hair cut in a high and tight. He was wearing military camouflage fatigues, and they looked pretty dirty as well.
“I’m guessing you’re George.” I said loud enough for him to hear. He nodded.
“Let me come closer Zach, I just want to talk.” He shouted back.
“Alright, walk forward until you’re ten feet from the truck and then stop. Keep your hands where I can see them. If those women make any furtive moves, you’ll be the first one I kill.” I lowered my voice to a whisper. “Watch the sides of the road Rowdy. He may have a friend somewhere.” Rowdy gulped and nodded. George stood in the middle of the road with his hands out.
“We meet at last Zach.” He smiled slightly and eyed Rowdy. “I don’t have anyone out there Red. It’s just me and the two women, thanks to Zach.”
I scowled with anger. “Thanks to Zach?” I repeated his words. “What the fuck do you mean by that? Are you about to blame me for everything? I am sick and tired of being blamed for everything that has happened to you cocksuckers.” I tried to take a breath, but my anger was growing and I started shouting.
“For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, you stupid fuck! It’s obvious all of you are so fucking stupid that you don’t think there should be consequences for your actions, but there are!” I snorted in disgust. “Look how fucking pathetic you look now! Did you see the Captain? Did you?”
“I did.” He said quietly. “Did you kill him?”
“Andie killed him. He suffered the consequences for his actions. Barry and Eli suffered the consequences. Tony, Randy, Herb, Eddy, and every one of you retarded fucks who hung your hat with the Captain. You all turned on us and suffered the consequences.” I thought of Macie and felt my finger depressing the trigger. George saw it too.
“Newton’s third law.” He said quietly. I continued scowling at him, but relaxed the tension in my finger. “Newton’s third law, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. You’re right Zach. All of my so-called friends are dead. The Captain’s dead. Now, I have nothing but a couple of trailer park whores and an infant kid who may or may not belong to me. You’re right about me being stupid too. I’m nothing but a stupid Marine who was trying to find his place in life.” He kept his hands out in the open and looked at me plainly.
“Why are you here George?” I asked quietly.
“I came here to ask for some food. The fire burned up all of our stores. I was going to lay a guilt trip on you, but…” He shrugged.
“I know you don’t owe us anything.” He continued. “But, if you can find it in your heart to give us enough for a few days, we would be most appreciative. We’ll leave the area and won’t cause you any further trouble.”
“Take your jacket off and toss it over here. Then lift your shirt up and turn around in a circle.” I said. George obeyed without complaint.
“I’m not armed.” He said. “There are
weapons in the car, but they’re unloaded and I’ve told them don’t dare touch any of them.” I picked up the jacket, searched it, and tossed it back to him.
I looked at him a long moment and sighed. “Why the fuck did you guys convince yourselves we were your enemy?”
George rubbed his face. His expression was one of pained sorrow. “Because the Captain said you were.” He said quietly.
Rowdy and I fixed them up a supply of food and told them about Fort Campbell. George surprised us when he retrieved a surplus ammo can out of the trunk filled with ammunition. He handed it over.
“It’s a mix of different calibers. I think it’s a good trade.” He said simply. He held his hand out and I reluctantly shook it. Rowdy shook his hand and gave him a hug.
“You take care of your women and kid, bro.” He said. “And be careful who you hang your hat with.”
We watched quietly as they drove away.
Rowdy and I drove in silence to Home Depot. The streets were bereft of any kind of humans or zombies. There was nothing but vacant automobiles, vacant buildings, and trash being blown about by the wind. I stopped on the Moore’s Lane overpass of I-65, and got out. Rowdy got out with me.
“What’re you thinking about Hoss?” He asked. I pointed at the mass of vehicles sitting silently along the Interstate.
“We need to figure the most efficient way of scavenging those cars and tractor trailers.” I said while rubbing my stomach. Rowdy saw me doing it.
“You got a gut injury?” He asked.
“Yeah, the Captain gave me a pretty hard kick in the stomach. He got me pretty good. I don’t think I’ve got any internal injuries, but I’m still hurting all over.”
“Yeah, but you won in the end.” He said.
I scoffed. “I don’t feel much like a winner. We lost Macie, and Fred’s family home. If he ever comes back, everything he had, everything reminding him of his family, is gone. It seems like this all could have been avoided somehow.” I sighed.
Z14 (Zombie Rules) Page 26